API-580 Practice Test

What the API-580 is and how it works

According to American Petroleum Institute, “There are 90 questions, of which only 80 are scored. The remaining 10 are pretest, which are not scored.”^[1]

The API 580 certification evaluates knowledge of risk-based inspection principles in refining and petrochemical facilities. The examination consists of 90 questions, of which 80 are scored and 10 are unscored pretest questions. Testing takes place through computer-based testing at Prometric test centers, with over 500 locations worldwide, or via ProProctor remote proctoring. The American Petroleum Institute uses a set passing scaled score, but the exact numeric threshold is not published.

Inspectors who hold an active API 510, API 570, or API 653 credential qualify automatically. Other candidates qualify based on education and petrochemical industry experience, such as 1+ year of experience with a bachelor of science in engineering or technology. Initial examination fees for 2026 are $380 for members and $440 for non-members, while fees for 2027 are $390 for members and $450 for non-members. Applications submitted past the deadline incur a $200 late fee, with the registration deadline for the April 9–30, 2027 testing window set for Feb 4, 2027.

Candidates receive score results by email from Prometric within 24 hours of testing, followed by posting to the API ICP Portal within 3 business days. Passing candidates receive credentials valid for 3 years. Candidates who do not pass have 12 consecutive months to pass and must submit a reschedule application with a $200 fee.

API-580 Exam at a Glance

What changed for API-580 in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Number of questions changed to 90 questions (80 scored, 10 pretest) (previously 90 multiple-choice questions (80 scored, 10 pretest)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Passing score changed to Set passing scaled score (numeric value not published) (previously Set passing scaled score (equated per exam form)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to Prometric test centers or remote proctoring (ProProctor) (previously Computer-based at Prometric test centers or remote proctoring (ProProctor)).^[4]
• Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to Current API 510/570/653 holders qualify automatically; others need education plus petrochemical experience (1+ year with a BS in engineering/technology) (previously Current API 510/570/653 holders, or education + petrochemical experience (1–5 years)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Score release changed to Within 24 hours by email from Prometric; ICP Portal within 3 business days (previously Within 24 hours by email from Prometric).^[4]
• Oct 25, 2026: Exam fee changed to 2026: $380 member / $440 non-member; 2027: $390 member / $450 non-member (previously $450 non-member / $390 API member (2027 fee schedule)).^[2]

Worked examples: how to reason through API-580 questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: According to API 580, what is the primary purpose of ranking equipment by risk level in an RBI program?

1. To allocate inspection resources preferentially to equipment with the greatest risk, maximizing overall risk reduction
2. To comply with a fixed government-mandated inspection schedule for all process equipment
3. To eliminate the need for inspection on low-risk equipment permanently
4. To justify replacing all high-risk equipment with new components at the next turnaround

Answer: A. To allocate inspection resources preferentially to equipment with the greatest risk, maximizing overall risk reduction

Explanation:

Option A is correct because risk ranking identifies equipment items that present the greatest risk, allowing facilities to focus inspection efforts where risk reduction is most effective. Option B is incorrect because risk-based inspection establishes customized inspection plans based on risk rather than fixed prescriptive schedules. Option C is incorrect because low-risk equipment still requires monitoring and is not permanently removed from inspection programs. Option D is incorrect because high risk does not automatically dictate component replacement; inspection, mitigation, or reassessment can manage risk without replacing equipment. The fundamental rule is that risk ranking distributes limited inspection resources toward items with the highest combination of probability and consequence of failure.

Example 2

Question: What is hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and where does it typically occur?

1. Cracking caused by hydrogen atoms diffusing into steel, common in wet H2S environments
2. Cracking from hydrogen gas pressure in storage tanks
3. Fractures caused by hydrogen embrittlement at high temperatures
4. Corrosion from hydrogen peroxide cleaning solutions

Answer: A. Cracking caused by hydrogen atoms diffusing into steel, common in wet H2S environments

Explanation:

Option A is correct because hydrogen-induced cracking develops when atomic hydrogen generated by corrosion reactions diffuses into carbon steel and collects at internal inclusions, creating blisters or stepwise cracks commonly observed in wet hydrogen sulfide service. Option B is incorrect because dry hydrogen gas pressure in storage tanks does not generate nascent atomic hydrogen that penetrates steel walls. Option C is incorrect because high-temperature hydrogen attack is a distinct damage mechanism involving methane formation rather than ambient wet cracking. Option D is incorrect because hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent unrelated to the cathodic charging of atomic hydrogen. The core rule is that hydrogen-induced cracking requires atomic hydrogen diffusion typical of sour wet environments.

Example 3

Question: According to API 580, which release scenario produces the highest consequence area for a given inventory of flammable liquid?

1. Instantaneous release of the full inventory, resulting in a flash fire or vapor cloud explosion
2. Small continuous pinhole leak with slow evaporation over several days
3. Subsurface leak contained entirely within secondary containment berms
4. A leak immediately detected and isolated within 60 seconds by automated shutdown

Answer: A. Instantaneous release of the full inventory, resulting in a flash fire or vapor cloud explosion

Explanation:

Option A is correct because an instantaneous release discharges the entire inventory at once, creating the largest vapor cloud and presenting the maximum blast or thermal radiation impact area. Option B is incorrect because a slow continuous leak allows vapors to dilute gradually into ambient air, producing a smaller instantaneous vapor cloud. Option C is incorrect because secondary containment prevents widespread liquid spread and restricts the evaporative surface area. Option D is incorrect because rapid isolation within 60 seconds limits the total released mass, substantially reducing the consequence footprint compared to a full catastrophic release. The general principle is that instantaneous catastrophic releases generate larger hazard zones than transient or isolated leaks of equal initial inventory.

How to use these practice tests

Begin preparation by reading the official American Petroleum Institute publication on risk-based inspection to establish core definitions and principles. Move directly into topic-focused practice sets to check conceptual understanding. Test your grasp of risk evaluation concepts with API-580 Risk Assessment Methodology and evaluate damage factor determination with API-580 Probability of Failure Analysis.

Next, focus on damage mechanism recognition and discharge modeling. Use the API-580 Corrosion Mechanisms practice questions to test material degradation modes, and review API-580 Consequence of Failure Modeling to practice inventory release calculations. Reinforce inspection targeting principles through API-580 Risk Ranking and Prioritization.

Conclude your preparation by taking full-length timed sets under realistic test constraints using Start Practice Test. Review incorrect responses alongside official recommended practice documents, noting any areas where probability or consequence determinations need further study before sitting for your examination window.

Sources & last verified

1. American Petroleum Institute — number of questions, passing score, validity, eligibility (official source). “There are 90 questions, of which only 80 are scored. The remaining 10 are pretest, which are not scored.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
2. American Petroleum Institute — exam fee, retake fee, registration deadline, late registration deadline (official source). “Initial Certification, 571, 577, 580: $390 / $450” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 23, 2026.
3. American Petroleum Institute — retake policy (official source). “API gives each candidate 12 consecutive months to pass an exam.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 23, 2026.
4. American Petroleum Institute — delivery, score release (official source). “API computer based exams are taken at Prometric testing centers, with over 500 locations worldwide to choose from.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 23, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.